Mindfulness: What Is It? (Even if you dont know please post so we can help grow the forums accordingly)

[blondguy]

Hi Everybody

This is only the basic dictionary definition...

"Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment without judgement"

• Please be as blunt you wish....If you dont have an idea about mindfulness it would be great if you could let us know
• If mindfulness hasnt worked/or is too broad a concept for you it would great if you can let us know your thoughts too
• If mindfulness has helped you, please help others to help themselves by posting how you have embraced this mindset

It goes without saying that the forums are a judgement free zone and I really hope that everyone can jump in and have their say

Your input is highly valued no matter how you respond to this topic. There are no experts here...New Posters are Most Welcome!!

My Kindest Thoughts

Paul

[quirkywords]

Mark thanks so much for your post. You have insight on what works for you and the breathing obviously helps you.

I find I need self talk as well as breathing if I have a microwave moment- my words for a very intense overwhelming moment.

Quirky

[MarkJT]

All, so used an app called "PTSD Coach". There is an Australian and USA version, i used the Aussie one. There is a breathing exercise under symptoms i think and this is where i really learned how to breath.

I used this upwards of 10 times a day in the early months and that slowly waned off until i had a decent grasp of it, BUT, i still have the app on my phone, i still have headphones with me most times of the day and i will not hesitate to use it if i feel i need some guidance.

CMF: It will all depend on how strong the attack is to how long you feel you have calmed and if it is a massive one, like i had on the plane, for me it is dive for the meds. I do not overestimate by abilities!!

Quirky: Really like what you said there, "You have insight into what works for you". That is such a key as what might work for me may not work as well for others. It is about finding what is right for you and then stick to it.

Paul: More about the controlling of the breath rather than deep massive breaths. By controlling your breathing you are controlling yourself. You want to breath shallow and fast, your brain is telling you that but by overriding it and going deep, but controlled and then slowly out, you have taken back control.

Cracking thread this gang!!

Mark.​

[blondguy]

Hello everybody reading or posting and thanks heaps Mark on the breathing. This is actually a crucial part of achieving inner calm. Many people still take the deep massive breaths which are counter productive.

MarkJT said "You want to breath shallow and fast, your brain is telling you that but by overriding it and going deep, but controlled and then slowly out, you have taken back control"

This is seriously good stuff Mark

Paul

[MarkJT]

Paul, I made a good decision early on and downloaded the "PTSD Coach" app which has the great breathing app on it and it worked so well. Was a real teaching experience for me.

Sliding doors moment really making that decision to download it as I generally try to work out things by myself so was out of the ordinary.

Mark.

[MarkJT]

One thing that dawned on me whilst i was listening to Smiling Mind this morning.

When you are lying down or keeping a straight back posture, put one hand on your chest and the other on your tummy. To breath the most effective you need to engage the diaphragm or tummy breath.

What you should be feeling is your tummy rising and not your chest. If your chest is rising, you have not engaged your diaphragm enough. Takes some practise but results are much better.

Cheers

Mark

[blondguy]

Thankyou MarkJT for these apps/ info as whether people choose to post or to read the forums they are an invaluable tool for re building our well being through simple breathing techniques combined with practice.

Mark mentioned......"the "PTSD Coach" app which has the great breathing app on it" as well as 'Smiling Mind'

I have practiced breathing techniques for years but like many of us a well worded post (by MarkJT above) can work wonders as a 'reminder' if we are 'over breathing' which can be counter productive to especially anxiety..

"When you are lying down or keeping a straight back posture, put one hand on your chest and the other on your tummy. To breath the most effective you need to engage the diaphragm or tummy breath.What you should be feeling is your tummy rising and not your chest. If your chest is rising, you have not engaged your diaphragm enough. Takes some practise but results are much better."

Great Stuff! I will be refreshing my breathing technique.....with practise!

My Best

Paul

[quirkywords]

Mark that breathing technique sounds like patting your head and rubbing your tummy at same time. I could never do that.

i know you said you must practice it, my problem is how do i know i am doing it right.

Quirky

[blondguy]

Hi Quirky

I hope you are doing okay. I understand that the breathing technique sounds trying..

MarkJT has some seriously good points about 'learning how to breathe' above...

To keep it simple...(for me too by the way)

"concentrate on the breath going in through the nose and slowly out through the mouth"

You have already done this with the trees and nature...This highlighted sentence is a huge key that unlocks the door to having some peace.....Remembering how to do it and making it habit will provide a calm mindset

Always great to have you as part of the family Quirky.

My kind thoughts

Paul

[MarkJT]

Quirky, break it down into parts.

1) Lie down and have one hand on chest and one one tummy, just under rib cage. At this stage, don't worry or concentrate on mindfulness, this is about learning to tummy breathe. I was trying to describe what to do and couldn't think so went to my old mate, Google. Found this, "Breathe deeply from your lower lungs - imagine a rubber ring around your waist (your diaphragm), breathe in and try to push the ring outwards". This works pretty good when i gave it a try.

2) Practice tummy breathing for a while until you get the hang of it - in through nose, out through mouth.

3) When you get a decent feel of it, start trying to combine the two together. Perhaps start with some music and try and concentrate on the music.

4) Practice, practice, practice!!!

When I have trouble picking something up, I always remind myself of one of my favorite sayings - Michael Jordan, "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed".

The greatest ever basketball player failed time and time again...

Mark.

[quirkywords]

Thanks Mark for your helpful comments.

I will try your techniques.

Maybe I need confidence in myself but that's another thread.

Quirky